Denton: Magic vs. Bucks Analysis (1/31/14)

Orlando (13-35) broke a three-game losing streak by winning for a third time in the past four games at the Amway Center. The Magic extended Milwaukee’s losing streak to 16 straight games in Orlando, a skid that incredibly dates back to December of 2004. The Bucks (8-38), who were without O.J. Mayo, John Henson, Luke Ridnour, Zaza Pachulia and Ekpe Udoh, have lost five in a row and 10 of the last 11 games.

Afflalo, who was left off the Eastern Conference All-Star team on Thursday despite having some of the most efficient numbers among all shooting guards in the NBA, gashed the Bucks for 21 points and five rebounds in three quarters of work. He said that he would use the all-star snub as motivation and hopes the second half of the season will be a time for him to improve upon his already career-best year.

``There are certain feelings that you get at points in your life that are motivating factors when something that you were looking for doesn’t happen. For me, (the all-star snub) has given me a new level of passion and hunger,’’ admitted Afflalo, who didn’t play in the fourth quarter because of the one-sided nature of the game. ``I’ve got an extreme fire burning – not even about tonight. But my focus is going to be heightened with everything that I do.’’

Orlando had six players reach double figures in scoring. It shot a stellar 51.8 percent from the floor to defeat the Bucks for a second time this season. Afflalo had 36 points in that first win and possibly could have approached that number again Friday had he not been pulled when the Magic were up by as much as 25 points.

Orlando had an easy, breezy night because it shot an efficient 57 percent in the first half and nearly 53 percent in the game’s first three quarters. As evidenced by Afflalo shot just before the halftime horn, the Magic moved the ball well all night and had 22 assists on their first 33 baskets.